A N A T I O N A L B R O T H E R H O O D O F E A G L E S C O U T S COME SOAR WITH US: THE TRAIL TO A SUCCESSFUL COLONIZATION BEGINS HERE.

Transcription

1 A N A T I O N A L B R O T H E R H O O D O F E A G L E S C O U T S EPSILON TAU PI COME SOAR WITH US: THE TRAIL TO A SUCCESSFUL COLONIZATION BEGINS HERE. Rev

2 E P S I L O N TA U P I A NATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF EAGLE SCOUTS FOREWARD Epsilon Tau Pi expects excellence in all areas from each of its groups, chapters, and colonies alike. For this reason, Epsilon Tau Pi has set high standard for affiliation. This guidebook explains these standards and provides a road map of how a group of students interested in becoming an official chapter of Epsilon Tau Pi should proceed. Three major steps must be accomplished to become a recognized chapter of Epsilon Tau Pi. First, an interest group (at least ten men) must petition and obtain Colony status from the Epsilon Tau Pi Fraternity. Second, the Colony must fulfill all requirements for chartering. Third, the Colony must petition the Fraternity for recognition as an operating chapter in good standing. If this process is successfully followed and the petition is accepted and approved by the Fraternity, then a charter will be granted and the organization will become an official Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi with all privileges, rights and obligations thereof. 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Forward... 2 Table of Contents... 3 What is Epsilon Tau Pi... 4 Obtaining Colony Status... 6 Petition to Establish a Colony... 7 Risk Management

4 WHAT IS EPSILON TAU PI Epsilon Tau Pi is an honorary Eagle Scout Fraternity that was founded in 1999 by a group of Eagle Scouts at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Epsilon Tau Pi was formed on the principles of Honor, Loyalty, Courage, and Service. THE HISTORY Epsilon Tau Pi was formed on April 28, 1999, as the nation s first collegiate fraternity of Eagle Scouts. The fraternity is dedicated to the ideals of Scouting and of the Eagle Scout award, and strives to uphold those ideals. In April 1999, eight Eagle Scouts came together at the University of Dayton and formed Epsilon Tau Pi. There were many social and service organizations on campus and around the area; however, there was no organization that held the ideals of scouting close to heart. These eight men decided that an organization should be formed that would uphold the principles of the Boy Scouts of America and bring together those whom have shown through dedication and hard work that they believe in those values. Since then, scores of men have become members of the Brotherhood. Brothers come from all parts of the country and Puerto Rico. The Brotherhood is also diverse academically, with members studying engineering, liberal arts, business, and education. Many are involved with other extra-curricular activities, such as intramural sports, ROTC programs, music performance, and work-study. In spite of these diverse interests and backgrounds, the common thread that draws these men together is the Eagle Scout award itself. The highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout is achieved by only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts. The requirements alone for the Eagle Scout rank demonstrate the leadership, initiative, and resolve required of those that achieve this high honor. In Epsilon Tau Pi s short history, the initial chapter at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio has already established a National Executive Board, reached out to Ohio State University, and Western Carolina University, and created several new colonies. Alumni members are also active within the fraternity; some serve as members of the National Executive Board, aid the new Colony, and participate in fraternity functions. Epsilon Tau Pi is governed by a National Executive Board, elected by all active members of the fraternity to two-year terms. The Executive Board is currently comprised of three officers and two delegates. The officers include a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary. Each Chapter elects two delegates, one active member to represent the active members of the chapter. The principle purpose of the National Executive Board is to guide and oversee the expansion of the fraternity. The Executive Board also maintains the National Constitution and the General Regulations of the fraternity. All chapters and their colonies are permitted a large degree of autonomy, however the Executive Board addresses critical issues that affect the fraternity as a whole, as well as assist the various chapters with difficult issues. In all issues, the National Executive Board is the highest authority in the fraternity, and may overturn a decision made by any individual chapter. Any male college student who has earned the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America, and is a student in good standing with the university or institution, of which he is a member, may rush Epsilon 4

5 Tau Pi. The brothers, by vote, accept rush participants as candidates for membership. Upon completion of the candidacy, the Eagle Scout is initiated as a full member of Epsilon Tau Pi. Eagle Scouts who attend a university or college with no active chapter or Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi may become candidates for membership at an active chapter in the same city. If no such chapter or Colony exists, interested students may apply to the National Executive Board for permission to form a Colony. Once an active brother graduates, he becomes an alumni member of Epsilon Tau Pi. Alumni members are eligible to participate in Chapter functions. In addition, Alumni members also serve as mentors for colonies. SERVICE Epsilon Tau Pi is dedicated to helping Scouting and the community by volunteering our skills and assets to various groups and individuals. We give back to Scouting in the way of service by providing help to repair and maintain council campgrounds as well as mentoring to those Scouts that are working towards the Eagle Scout rank. SOCIAL LIFE Social life in college is just as important as service and academic endeavors. The brothers of Epsilon Tau Pi get together for a social activity at least once a month officially; however, often many of the brothers will get together once a week or more to socialize. Social activities include barbeques, ski trips, bowling, movie nights, football or soccer games, etc. Along with these activities, there is also a semi-formal dance in the fall and a formal dance in the spring. The official social activities are planned and coordinated by the Social Chair of the chapter. These activities are added to the calendar once they become official. Epsilon Tau Pi is more then just a service fraternity; it is a group of like-minded individuals that come together under the banner of Brotherhood. The word Brotherhood has been used a great deal, and you may be wondering what it means to us. To the brothers of Epsilon Tau Pi, Brotherhood is more then just a word used to describe us; it is something that we use to describe the bond that we have with each other. Many of us forge friendships with each other that last beyond our college careers. Along with these forged friendships, we know that as brothers, no matter the circumstances, no matter the distance, we will always be there for one another. That is the foundation and principle of the Brotherhood of Epsilon Tau Pi. 5

6 OBTAINING COLONY STATUS Obtaining Colony status is the first step to becoming an Epsilon Tau Pi Chapter. When a group of men want to become a Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi on a campus where there is no Epsilon Tau Pi chapter in existence, they may achieve Colony Status by receiving permission to affiliate with Epsilon Tau Pi from the National Executive Board of the Fraternity. Once a minimum of ten men, with ten being highly encouraged, have formed an interest group, the group may petition the Fraternity for Colony Status by supplying the following supporting documents: 1) A Resolution letter signed by a minimum of ten individuals from your interest group indicating their desire to become a Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi (see Page 7); and 2) An Approval letter from the appropriate college or university official granting permission for your group to associate with Epsilon Tau Pi; and 3) A signed copy of the Risk Management form (see Page 8) signed by the Acting President; Acting Vice President; and advisor. After both of these letters have been received by the National Executive Board, a Primary Inspection visit, if deemed necessary, will be conducted by a representative or representatives of the National Executive Board to: 1) Verify the number of men in the group; and 2) Review the material previously sent; and 3) Answer any questions. Following the visit, the National Executive Board will vote whether or not to grant Colony status. You will be notified of the outcome when the balloting has been completed. Once you have been granted Colony Status, a document recognizing the group as an official Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi will be sent to you. Once recognized as a Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi, you are encouraged to use the purposes and principles of Epsilon Tau Pi in your day-to-day operations. Manual, brochures, and supplies may be ordered from the National Executive Board. Additionally, once you have been recognized as a Colony, the individuals who are currently recognized by the Colony will be inducted as the Alpha Class of your respective Colony by a ritual team comprised of Brothers of established Colonies and Chapters of Epsilon Tau Pi. The National Executive Board will assist your group in meeting the requirements established by Epsilon Tau Pi. 6

7 PETITION TO ESTABLIS H A COLONY National Executive Board Epsilon Tau Pi PO Box 282 Dayton, OH Dear Sir: We, the undersigned individuals hereby desire to establish a Colony of Epsilon Tau Pi Fraternity at (name of institution); the objectives of the Colony are to exemplify and uphold the ideals and traditions of (name of institution) and to become a duly installed undergraduate chapter of Epsilon Tau Pi Signature Printed Name Year Received Year in School Eagle Respectfully submitted by: Name: 7

8 RISK MANAGEMENT ALCOHOL Under no circumstances will any fraternity sponsored activity/ event involve alcohol. HAZING Hazing is defined by of the Ohio Revised Code as any act or coercing of another to do any act of initiation causing or creating a substantial risk of causing or physical harm to any person. The Brotherhood of Epsilon Tau Pi stipulates hazing will not be tolerated. Individuals or colonies/chapters suspected of authorizing or tolerating the occurrence of a hazing incident will be subject to disciplinary action. Hazing includes but is not limited to, whether in public or in private: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks of harassment, morally embarrassing, degrading or humiliating games and activities, late or excessive work sessions which interfere with scholastic achievements, and all other activities which violate fraternal, state, local, federal laws or regulations and policies of the fraternity and the college or university at which the Colony is located. CODE OF CONDUCT All fraternity members shall adhere to the Scout Oath and the points of the Scout Law and live up to the Eagle Scout Charge. Pledge periods shall last no shorter than 6 weeks and no more than 10 weeks due to scheduling classes. The Pledge period shall begin with Formal rushes and conclude with Ritual. Under no circumstances shall probationary period activities conflict with academics. I have read and understand the policies on risk management as set for by the National Executive Board of Epsilon Tau Pi. By signing this document, I agree to enforce this policy in my chapter and/or Colony. Acting President s Signature Acting Vice President s Signature College/University Advisor s Signature Fraternity Education Officer s Signature Date Date Date Date 8